While the A8 focuses on providing a serene and elegant executive experience with a V6 engine, the S8 is the high-performance flagship that comes standard with a potent twin-turbo V8, more aggressive S-specific exterior styling like quad exhaust tailpipes, and advanced driving technologies such as predictive active suspension and dynamic all-wheel steering that are often optional or unavailable on the standard A8.

The current Audi S8 is incredibly fast for a full-size luxury sedan, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, thanks to its 563-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine and the lightning-fast grip provided by the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

In most major markets, including North America, the fourth-generation Audi S8 (D5) is sold exclusively in the long-wheelbase format (often designated as S8 L in other regions), ensuring that rear-seat passengers enjoy maximum legroom without compromising the car's sports-car-like performance.

The predictive active suspension is a sophisticated system that uses a front camera to scan the road surface ahead for bumps or imperfections; it then independently adjusts each wheel's electromechanical actuators to proactively lift or push down the chassis, ensuring an incredibly flat and comfortable ride regardless of road conditions.

For older generations, owners have reported issues such as oil strainer blockages leading to turbocharger failure, air suspension leaks, and carbon buildup in the intake valves, though newer models have implemented revised components and 48-volt mild-hybrid systems that have so far shown improved mechanical resilience.

Maintenance for an Audi S8 is significantly higher than average, with estimated costs ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 annually for routine services; this is due to the complexity of its V8 engine, the specialized requirements of the active suspension system, and the high cost of performance-grade replacement parts like brakes and tires.

Given its high-performance V8 engine, the Audi S8 is not particularly fuel-efficient, typically achieving an EPA-rated 15 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, though it does utilize cylinder-on-demand technology to shut down four cylinders during light-load cruising to save fuel.

The S8 features a performance-tuned version of the Quattro system that includes a standard "Sport Rear Differential," which actively distributes torque between the two rear wheels to practically eliminate understeer and provide much sharper turn-in during aggressive cornering.

The S8 cabin features unique "S" carbon vector inlays, diamond-stitched Valcona leather sport seats with 22-way power adjustment, and an upgraded Audi Virtual Cockpit that includes performance-oriented displays for boost pressure, lap times, and G-force meters not found in the standard A8.

Yes, Dynamic All-Wheel Steering is standard on the S8, allowing the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds to reduce the turning circle, and in the same direction at high speeds to enhance stability during lane changes or high-speed maneuvers.